How to install Optional Features on Windows 11

• To install optional features on Windows 11, open Settings > System > Optional features, click “View features,” select the feature, click “Next,” and “Install.”
• Alternatively, open Settings > System > Optional features > More Windows Features, choose the feature, and click “Install.”

On Windows 11, “Optional Features” are components that are not essential to operate the system, but they can add extra functionalities. By default, the operating system comes with some of these features installed, such as Internet Explorer mode, Notepad, Print Management, Windows Media Player, Facial Recognition, and others.

However, you can always install more (for example, XPS Viewer, Wireless Display, Microsoft Quick Assist, Windows Storage Management, etc.) or remove those you no longer use.

If you don’t find the feature you want to install in the Settings app, you can also use the legacy “Windows Features” tool to add different components, such as Hyper-V, Windows Subsystem for Linux, .NET, and many others.

In this guide, I will show you the steps to install additional features to Windows 11. In addition, you will also find the instructions to uninstall those optional features.

• Install Optional Features on Windows 11
• Uninstall Optional Features on Windows 11

Install Optional Features on Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to install optional features in at least two ways, including the Settings app and Control Panel (if you have to add legacy features).

Add optional features

To install optional features on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Optional features page.

4. Click the “View features” button in the “Add an optional feature” setting.

   

5. Select the optional feature to install on Windows 11 (for example, Graphics). Quick note: You can select the item for more information about the feature.

   

6. Click the Next button.

7. Click the Install button.

Once you complete the steps, the components will download and install on your computer.

Add legacy optional features

To turn on optional features through the “Windows Features,” use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Optional features page.

4. Click the “More Windows features” option under the “Related settings” section.

   

5. Check the features to add to Windows 11 (for example, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and Windows Subsystem for Linux).

   

6. Click the OK button.

7. Click the Restart now button.

After you complete the steps, the components for the feature will be installed on the computer.

Uninstall Optional Features on Windows 11

Similar to adding features, you can use the Settings app or Control Panel to uninstall a specific feature.

Remove optional features

To uninstall optional features from your computer, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Optional features page.

4. Select the optional feature to remove from Windows 11 under the “Installed features” section.

5. Click the Uninstall button.

   

After you complete the steps, the feature will be removed from Windows 11.

Remove legacy optional feature 

To turn off optional features through the Control Panel, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Optional features page.

4. Click the “More Windows features” option under the “Related settings” section.

   

5. Clear the feature to remove from Windows 11.

   

6. Click the OK button.

7. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the components for the feature will be removed from the computer.

Update January 19, 2024: These instructions have been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.